Mount Agad-Agad

490 m (1,608 ft)

Depending on your pace, and the weather, the trek up to the peak can take anything between 2 and 3 hours. The descent is much quicker and takes between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours.

The trail up Mt Agad-Agad is well-worn and groomed with a paved path for some of the way. However, once the path turns into a dirt trail, there are a few steep, difficult sections that become muddy and slippery when wet. The climb is doable but challenging for beginner trekkers, and fairly easy for the average hiker.

The beginning of the trail is marked by a suspension bridge, at the foot of the mountain, which leads onto a clear trail, lined with palm trees and other vegetation. The trail passes through local dwellings with friendly locals along the way. 

As you hike through the forest, you’ll pass a small waterfall named Langilanon Falls and cross a small stream as well. After the waterfall, the trail starts to get very steep. This is near to the campsite. 

The campsite is about 15 minutes away from the actual peak. Here you will find wooden shelters, swings, picnic tables and chairs, a restroom, a big wooden cross, and big photo spot signs with the name of the mountain. You’ll also find a viewing deck that will provide you with a view of Iligan City, its sparkling lights at night, and the surrounding Mountains and hills. On a clear day, you can see Mount Malindang across the bay and Mount Inayawan.

The climate in this region is hot, humid and overcast almost all of the year. 

Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F) but generally stick around a monthly 26°C/27°C (79°F/81°F) average except in January when it is a little cooler.  

The rainiest period of the year is between May and November and the drier period is between December and April.

The best time to visit Mount Agad-Agad is from mid-December to mid-March. This time of year is generally drier, and ever so slightly cooler.

Good comfortable trainers, with proper grip, should suffice for this hike.

There are no manmade rest stops or facilities along the trail, however, there is a park at the top, where you will find a campsite, wooden shelters, restrooms, and picnic tables and benches.

Some parts of the trail have bamboo railings for support.

There is no need for a guide for this trek. The path is well-worn, there are signs along the trail marking how far you have to go until you reach the summit, and there are friendly locals who are known for giving hikers directions on the way up if needed.

Mount Agad-Agad is located just outside Iligan City proper, Barangay, Philippines. To get there it is a 1.5-hour flight from Manila to Laguindinggan, and then another 1.5 hours by road from Laguindinggan to Iligan City. Or you can fly to the Ozamis City airport and take a ferry to Iligan City.

The trailhead is situated at Barangay Pugaan. You can get there from the city by jeepney or habal-habal (the Filipino word for a motorcycle taxi).

You may not come across many fellow hikers, but there shouldn’t be any safety concerns climbing up this mountain.